Practical Nursing Certificate

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the Practical Nursing program at UFV?
The program is 12 months long. It commences each September and is completed in the first week of the following September.


What are the academic prerequisites for the Practical Nursing Program?
High school graduation with English 12 (C+), Principles of Math 11 (C) and Biology 12 (C+ completed within 5 years prior to entering the program).


What are the non-academic prerequisites for the Practical Nursing program?
Current Standard First Aid certificate; current Basic Rescuer (CPR level C); volunteer experience (minimum 30 hours) or work experience in a health care setting; identification documents; and drivers license.


Does the Practical Nursing program bridge into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?
UFV does offer a bridging program with limited access in September each year. Please see the calendar regarding prerequisites for the LPN Access Option.

Is there a waitlist? How long?
Selection is on a competitive basis with a point system in place.


Do I have to write the provincial exam for a prerequisite course I am taking?
Provincial exams are not required at UFV unless a Provincial is required to graduate.


Where can I do my volunteer work experience?
Volunteer work experience can take place in long term care facilities or hospitals (i.e., candystriping/junior volunteers). Contact the institution where you wish to volunteer, they normally have a volunteer coordinator who will set up hours for you. We may also accept people with work experience in a doctor’s office, pharmacies, physiotherapy clinics, etc. During the experience you must have contact with patients/clients – so for example working in the kitchen at the hospital with no patient contact would not meet this requirement.


If I do not get into the program, do I have to re-apply every year?
If you are not accepted, you would still remain on the wait list for the next intake, you do not need to re-apply. However, if we do not hear from you for a period of one year, we will send you a letter asking if you are still interested in the program. If we do not hear from you within a specified time frame, your file will be inactivated and should you wish to take the program you would need to re-apply.


How many students do you accept each year?
We are funded for 24 students.


Where can I take the prerequisite courses?
You can take them at high school or adult education centres, at UFV through College and Career Preparation Dept., or by correspondence (ie. Fraser Valley Distance Education or Open Learning).


As a mature student do I have to have all of the academic prerequisites?
Yes, you do. The Biology must be completed within 5 years prior to entry into the program, but if you have the required grades for English 12 (C+) and Principles of Math 11 (C) you do not have to re-take them again.


What is the starting salary for a newly graduated Licensed Practical Nurse?
The current salary is $22.02 per hour.